What should you do if there are mice in the pantry? - briefly
First, remove accessible food, store everything in airtight containers, and thoroughly clean the pantry to eliminate crumbs. Next, deploy snap or electronic traps and seal all entry gaps with steel wool or caulk to prevent further infestation.
What should you do if there are mice in the pantry? - in detail
A pantry infestation requires immediate, systematic action. First, remove all food items and place them in sealed containers or in a refrigerator to prevent further contamination. Clean every surface with a detergent solution, then disinfect with a mild bleach mixture (one part bleach to ten parts water). Dispose of any packaging that shows droppings, gnaw marks, or urine stains.
Next, identify and block all possible entry points. Inspect walls, floor joints, baseboards, and the back of cabinets for gaps larger than a quarter‑inch. Seal openings with steel wool, copper mesh, or silicone caulk, and install door sweeps on pantry doors. Repair any damaged screens or vents.
Select an appropriate control method. For immediate reduction, set snap traps or electronic traps along walls, behind shelves, and near suspected pathways. Use bait such as peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit, and position traps perpendicular to the wall with the trigger end facing the wall. Replace traps daily, disposing of captured rodents in sealed bags. If a larger population is suspected, consider using multiple‑catch live traps, but ensure humane release far from the home and comply with local regulations.
If chemical control is warranted, apply a rodenticide in tamper‑proof bait stations placed out of reach of children and pets. Follow label instructions precisely, monitoring for non‑target exposure. Combine bait stations with mechanical traps for a comprehensive approach.
After removal, maintain a strict sanitation routine. Store all dry goods in airtight containers, keep the pantry floor free of crumbs, and perform weekly visual inspections. Rotate stock regularly to avoid long‑term storage that can attract pests. Finally, schedule periodic checks of the building’s exterior for vegetation or debris that could provide shelter for rodents, and trim back any overgrown plants that touch the structure. Consistent vigilance prevents recurrence.